What type of venue is Cornerstone Cardiff?

Cornerstone was originally a large church, with a rich and varied history. But in 2016, we took over as management and set about transforming it into a multi-purpose space for the people of Cardiff.

We wanted a place where Christmas shoppers could come in from the cold for a hot chocolate, while, a few hundred feet away, we make the last finishing touches on a charity fundraiser event for the evening.

We wanted somewhere a bridal couple could feel proud to call their wedding venue, and a community group could feel proud to call their own.

With a vast Great Hall, a meeting room, private dining room, a mezzanine floor, and its very own cafe, The Pantry, Cornerstone has a space for everything.

Its versatility means it’s used for events, concerts, community groups, weddings and occasions throughout the year – there’s never a dull moment on Charles Street!

Photo: Chas Breton

Of course, being so multi-purpose means Cornerstone can be whatever kind of venue you want it to be.

This year, we hosted our first ever Cornerstone wedding, the BAFTA Cymru nominations party, and a charity fundraiser for Tenovus Cancer Care – and we haven’t even reached the end of the year, yet!

What makes it special?

With Cornerstone, we have a space that’s open to the public 7 days a week. You can drop in with your laptop for some coffee-fuelled email checking, or bring the whole family for a homemade Sunday lunch.

Its history has seen it become a Cardiff landmark, standing for over 160 years as a beautiful Grade II listed building.

It opened in 1855 as Ebenezer Chapel, the first Neo gothic church in Cardiff, and our restoration work has transformed it into an award-winning venue, having collected the 2017 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards, Wales Building Conservation Award.

Of course, Cornerstone isn’t just Cornerstone. Right at the heart of it sits The Pantry, its very own cafe.

Modern, calm and cwtchy, The Pantry comes with free wifi and all the cakes and sandwiches you could possibly eat in one sitting…

Open Mondays – Saturdays between 9am-5pm and Sundays between 9am-4pm, this little hub offers Sunday roasts, Afternoon Tea experiences, private dining, and just a quiet little place to do some reading or reflecting in the middle of a busy city centre.

We all need our own happy place to retreat to – particularly during the Christmas shopping periods!